Song of The Day: The Clash

The Clash have been one of my favourite bands since high school, pretty much. I'm eternally grateful to my friend Hina whom I met in the middle of ninth grade who introduced me to a slew of bands that I missed out in my childhood whilst I was growing up on a steady diet of the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Bob Marley, "The Dark Side of The Moon" album and 90's bubblegum pop. One of these bands was the Clash, and after hearing "Should I Stay or Should I Go", I've never looked back.

I recently discovered this gem of a song a few days ago and fell in love with it. It's such a soundtrack-to-my-life-in-high-school song, and it's nice to see that side of these boys after listening to politically fuelled anthems like "White Riot" and "London Calling". It's fun, tongue-in-cheek and catchy without being annoying. Go and play the chorus to this for the boy or girl you like. Seriously, do it. How could they say no?

The Clash - 1-2 Crush on You (from Super Black Market Clash)

Song of The Day #2

...except listen to 'Silver Lining' by Beulah today. It will make you feel better, I promise.

Punk rock was my first girl /She left me a scar so I have her still /She’s not young, but she’s not old yet /We share the same sun but her’s never sets /You want it /Silver lining shining for you /You got it /The dark cloud always waiting for you /Weightless and tumbling through space I remember her voice but not her face /Floating but she’s always near /She wants to stay but she can’t stay here /You want it /Silver lining shining for you /You got it/ The dark cloud always waiting for you /Frozen in window displays /Where did you hide all those days we’d waste? /Fading but I see her still /She’ll always be my punk rock girl

As for the background on the band, here is what you need to know: they were born in an office mail room in mid-90's San Francisco after Miles Kurosky and Bill Swan decided that despite their mutual dislike for each other, their shared musical influences deserved to be put into practice in order to form a band and make music. They gained attention from bands like Apples In Stereo (who helped them release their first single) but unfortunately disbanded after a free concert in late 2004 after their last record Yoko failed to go gold. And yes, Micheal Cera is kinda a big fan. Rumors of frontman Miles's solo record release are on the horizon, though, so you never know - it might not be the end for long.

This paticular song, off their 2001 record The Coast Is Never Clear aptly reflects Miles's dealing with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder during the album's making. Cue the downbeat, disdainful lyrics synchronized with breezy, summery music that speaks of a different feeling entirely. Thus, it is the song of the day, and the only thing I recommend you listen to, on repeat, all day.

Download Silver Lining (The Coast Is Never Clear, 2001)

Song of the Day

Today's song belongs to one of my favourites, Canadian indie pop band, Stars. This song has marvellous lyrics (see: 'Don't know who I am/but I'm here with you/Alive'), an infectious piano melody and great, great vocals. They are playing shows across Australia throughout February & March, which I will unfortunately be unable to attend, but all the more for the rest of you kids to rush out, get tickets and experience the amazingness that is this band, live, right in front of your eyes. Yes.

Listen to Krush (from The Comeback EP, 2001)

AUSTRALIA TOUR DATES

27th Feb 08 @ Spectrum, SYDNEY
28th Feb 08 @ East Brunswick Club, MELBOURNE
29th Feb 08 (w/ Broken Social Scene) @ The Zoo, BRISBANE
01st March 08 (St. Jerome's Laneway Fest) @ The Zoo, BRISBANE
02 March 08 (St. Jerome's Laneway Fest) @ Reiby Place, SYDNEY